On the water briefs
December just had to outdo November for cruising fun and numbers. As you remember six boats and fifteen people had a great cruise and fun time going to South Seas Island Resort. Well, guess what? Nine boats and twenty five people went up on plane and cruised to beautiful Tween Waters resort on Captiva Island. Some arriving Sunday and others on Monday. We had a great time, big dock party on Monday night with food furnished by the first mates and then fun and games followed. Tuesday was spent on the beach, pool and hot tub followed by a dinner at the Crowsnest. Wednesday gave us good weather and good water to return to our home ports. Everyone had a great time. But, we will try to outdo that one on the next one. If you are living in Southwest Florida (AKA paradise) and not having this kind of fun, come check us out. America’s #1 Boating Club.
There is also a constant schedule of free educational classes.
Come to a dinner meeting and look us over. We will even buy your dinner.
Call P/C Lee Junker, P for information and reservations 239-368-9734
DEP seeks volunteers for aquatic preserve
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve office is looking for volunteers to participate in an ongoing water quality monitoring program within Estero Bay.
The Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network (CHEVWQMN) program is a partnership of Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (FDEP) Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves (CHAP) and Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve (EBAP), the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center (CHEC), the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program (CHNEP), and local citizens. The purpose of the program is to collect consistent, technically sound water quality data throughout the aquatic preserves to determine baseline conditions and trends in habitat health. Results are used to set resource management goals. Forty-six stations are monitored monthly by a corps of over 70 highly trained volunteers, and sites are monitored on the first Monday of the month at sunrise.
Estero Bay sites are currently available, either year-round or seasonal (May-Oct). Boating volunteers and alternates are especially needed. Participants conduct field testing and collect samples for laboratory analysis. Samples and data sheets are dropped off at the EBAP office for transportation to the lab.
A monthly commitment is required. For reservations and information, call the Preserve office at 463-3240 Monday through Friday.
‘Boat Smart’ course is Saturday, Dec. 20
The San Carlos Bay Sail & Power Squadron, a unit of the United States Power Squadrons, will be offering a ” Boat Smart ” course on Saturday, December 20, 2008 from 8:15am to 12:30pm. This course is recognized by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. Each student will receive a certificate from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission upon completion of the course. The course consists of two sessions on consecutives Saturdays. The second session will be on Saturday December 27, 2008 also 8:15am to 12:30pm.
Topics covered include hull design, docking, anchoring, handling boating emergencies, reading channel markers and many other topics to make each boating experience safer and more enjoyable.
The cost of the class is $40.00 with a $20.00 cost for a second person sharing the instruction materials.
The class is being taught at the San Carlos Bay Sail & Power Squadron Classroom located at 16048 San Carlos Blvd. at the corner of Kelly Road (across from ACE Hardware). Students can register online at scbps.com or call the office at 466-4040.
On the water briefs
DEP seeks volunteers for aquatic preserve
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve office is looking for volunteers to participate in an ongoing water quality monitoring program within Estero Bay.
The Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network (CHEVWQMN) program is a partnership of Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (FDEP) Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves (CHAP) and Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve (EBAP), the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center (CHEC), the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program (CHNEP), and local citizens. The purpose of the program is to collect consistent, technically sound water quality data throughout the aquatic preserves to determine baseline conditions and trends in habitat health. Results are used to set resource management goals. Forty-six stations are monitored monthly by a corps of over 70 highly trained volunteers, and sites are monitored on the first Monday of the month at sunrise.
Estero Bay sites are currently available, either year-round or seasonal (May-Oct). Boating volunteers and alternates are especially needed. Participants conduct field testing and collect samples for laboratory analysis. Samples and data sheets are dropped off at the EBAP office for transportation to the lab.
A monthly commitment is required. For reservations and information, call the Preserve office at 463-3240 Monday through Friday.
Fantasy Sail at Pink Shell set for Dec. 13
Fantasy Sail Weekend will return to Pink Shell Beach Resort and Spa, hosted by Colgate Offshore Sailing School for the second time on Dec. 13.
Doris Colgate, chief executive officer and president of Offshore, said, “In 2007, the Leukemia Cup Regatta participants raised over 3.5 million dollars to further their efforts. We are thrilled to be a part of this important event.”
Fantasy Sail is an annual event held for those who raise a minimum of $8,500 by organizing, promoting or participating in a Leukemia Cup Regatta to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).
Here, top fund-raisers get a once in a lifetime chance to sail with Gary Jobson, America’s Cup winner in 1977 and national chairman of the Leukemia Cup Regatta since 1994. Jobson is also a lymphoma survivor.
The Fantasy Sail Weekend officially starts at 3:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, with fund-raising workshops and a welcome party.
Saturday, Dec. 13, racing will start at 9 a.m. with an awards party and dinner at 6:30 p.m.
“I know everyone will be inspired by this special evening,” Doris Colgate said.
In honor of the extraordinary event, Colgate Offshore Sailing School is offering two tune-up workshops with expert instructors on its Colgate 26 fleet. Each three-hour workshop covers getting to know the Colgate 26, go-fast adjustments, a lot of spinnaker work, plus upwind and downwind techniques and tactics.
Half of the $395 per person fee will be given to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
For more, visit offshoresailing.com or call 985-7511.
‘Boat Smart’ course is Saturday, Dec. 20
The San Carlos Bay Sail & Power Squadron, a unit of the United States Power Squadrons, will be offering a ” Boat Smart ” course on Saturday, December 20, 2008 from 8:15am to 12:30pm. This course is recognized by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. Each student will receive a certificate from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission upon completion of the course. The course consists of two sessions on consecutives Saturdays. The second session will be on Saturday December 27, 2008 also 8:15am to 12:30pm.
Topics covered include hull design, docking, anchoring, handling boating emergencies, reading channel markers and many other topics to make each boating experience safer and more enjoyable.
The cost of the class is $40.00 with a $20.00 cost for a second person sharing the instruction materials.
The class is being taught at the San Carlos Bay Sail & Power Squadron Classroom located at 16048 San Carlos Blvd. at the corner of Kelly Road (across from ACE Hardware).
Students can register online at scbps.com or call the office at 466-4040.